New Car/Review

Lexus SC430 (2002)

by Carey Russ

The original Lexus SC400 coupe made quite an impact when
it was introduced a decade ago. It had a long, and very successful,
production run, but times change. So say hello to the second-
generation Lexus coupe, the 2002 SC430. And say goodbye to any
notion of Lexus as stodgily conservative.

The second-generation coupe is also the first-generation
Lexus convertible, thanks to a nifty folding metal roof. Press a
button, wait a few seconds, and enjoy sunshine or a snug,
weatherproof top. With a 300-horsepower V8 and sport-tuned
suspension, it is much more of a sports car than the original SC400,
with no loss of Lexus luxury. It comes standard with almost all
possible luxury and comfort equipment, including a very high-quality
Mark Levinson audio system. The only options are run-flat tires, a
DVD-based navigation system, and a rear spoiler.

I've just finished a week with a fully-equipped new SC430.
"Impressive" hardly describes it. Stunning looks make it the center
of attention. It's quick and capable, and offers true luxury comfort
for two in the manner of the best luxury sports cars. Best of all, the
folding hardtop makes it as snug as any coupe in inclement weather,
with all of the joy of a convertible on warm, sunny days.

APPEARANCE: A Delahaye for the 21st Century? C'est possible....
To develop the SC430's styling, members of the Toyota/Lexus
European design center spent plenty of time on the French Riviera,
all the better to soak up the ambiance and style of luxury. Their
ordeal paid off with unusual styling. The SC430's voluptuously-
rounded body has a strong feeling of products of classic French
automotive coachbuilders of the 1930s through the early 1950s.
Straight lines are few and far between, with curves everywhere. With
bright chrome grillwork and triangular multi-element headlights, the
SC430 has a unique face. The passenger cabin is placed toward the
rear of the car, although not extremely so. That, and the longer
hood, shorter, higher rear deck, and high rear fender line give it
rounded interpretation of the classic sports car wedge-shaped
profile. The high, inset shoulder line adds character. Rear styling is
even more interesting than the front, and the optional simple,
straight spoiler contrasts well with the body styling and actually
enhances rather than spoils the design. The SC430 is successful as a
coupe or as a roadster, and draws plenty of attention from all sorts
of people.

COMFORT: The SC430 is a Lexus, and is appointed Lexus's high
standards. The internationally-inspired interior design makes
excellent use of leather, high-quality fabric, and wood. Several color
and material combinations are offered. My test car had dark, anti-
glare material on the top of the instrument panel and doors, cream-
colored leather, and beautifully-figured bird's-eye maple trim on the
dash, console, doors, and steering wheel. The instruments are not
the projected "Optitron" type used in some other Lexuses, but are
clearly visible and easily read. The screen for the optional navigation
system is hidden behind a door in the instrument panel, protected
from the sun when not in use. Front occupants are coddled in
comfortable bucket seats, but the rear bench is best thought of as a
place for golf clubs or luggage. The power folding metal top
operates with ease and simplicity, but it does take up most of what
would otherwise be a trunk. The SC430's interior is a hat-friendly
zone with the top down, with just enough wind for the convertible
experience but no buffeting. With the optional run-flat tires, two
carry-on bags can be stored in the trunk; with a spare in place, send
the luggage ahead. The standard equipment audiophile-quality Mark
Levinson sound system is truly awesome.

ROADABILITY: Don't look for a soft, cushy ride here. Ultra-low
profile P245/40 ZR18 tires have little sidewall flex because there is
little sidewall to flex, and the SC430's optional Bridgestone RE040s
are a run-flat design, with stiffer-than-usual sidewalls. The four-
wheel independent double wishbone suspension is calibrated for
sports car handling. This makes for precise steering response, but
don't expect the isolation found in some Lexus sedans. The ride is
very firm, and the SC handles very well for a comfort-oriented
luxury coupe. Or roadster.

PERFORMANCE: In most situations, the SC430's namesake light
alloy 4.3-liter twincam, 32-valve V8 is seriously underemployed. In
"D", fittingly for a luxury powerplant, it quietly loafs along, even at
highway speeds. The five-speed electronically-controlled automatic
transmission chooses gears well for normal driving, and shifts
quickly and efficiently. But if you drop it down a gear or two, or put
it in second for a twisty sports-car road, and let the engine rev, and
there will be no doubt that there is 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of
torque on tap. The engine's "VVT-i" variable valve timing give it a
wide, useful spread of power for a relaxed feel even when motoring
quickly.